Though very common, hemorrhoids can be embarrassing and painful. Many treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription, can help ease symptoms of hemorrhoids, including topical zinc preparations. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, treatment can vary. Before using any zinc treatments for hemorrhoids, talk with your doctor to see if they are safe for you to use, as these are not appropriate for everyone.
Hemorrhoids
When veins in the rectum or anus become swollen and painful, this is a condition known as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be caused by many things, including constipation, straining during bowel movements, anal infections and sitting for long periods of time, says PubMed Health. The condition is commonly triggered by pregnancy and childbirth, as a result of the increased pressure on these veins. Treatment can include creams to help reduce the swelling and pain, stool softeners to avoid straining, sitz baths, and, in serious cases, surgery.
Zinc
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements explains that zinc helps with wound healing, strengthens the immune system, promotes normal growth and development during pregnancy and childhood, aids in cellular metabolism and is necessary for you to be able to smell and taste things. Dietary sources of zinc include oysters, lobster, fortified cereal, chickpeas, baked beans, yogurt and chicken. It is also present in many multivitamin formulations, is available as a single supplement and can be made into topical formulations. To ensure you are getting enough zinc, talk with your doctor about your diet and whether supplementation is appropriate for you.
Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids
The topical preparation of zinc oxide is used to help alleviate skin irritations, and zinc oxide rectal suppositories help treat burning, itching and discomfort from hemorrhoids. If your hemorrhoids are caused by an infection, these suppositories will not treat the infection. Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor for using the suppositories, but if you have rectal bleeding or continue to have pain, stop using the suppositories and call your doctor, states Drugs.com.
Considerations
If you think you have hemorrhoids, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and recommended treatment. Zinc oxide may not be the sole treatment you need, and it may not work for everyone. Tell your doctor about other supplements or drugs you are taking, to avoid any interactions. Individuals allergic to zinc, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, mineral oil or wax should not use zinc oxide suppositories, according to Drugs.com. It is not known whether the suppositories are safe for pregnant or nursing women, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to conceive.
